NIA primes the pump for health disparities research in aging
June 15, 2016

If you are interested in health disparities and aging research, the NIA is ready, willing and able to help be a resource for you and the field. In recent months, we have undertaken several activities to enhance research opportunities, and I’d like to tell you about a few of these to keep you involved and make sure you’re up to speed!

Funding opportunities

The funding opportunity “Health Disparities and Alzheimer’s Disease (R01)” invites research applications that address the full spectrum of Alzheimer’s in diverse communities—from increasing enrollment of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer’s studies, to basic neurobiology of the disease, to clinical manifestations and trajectories of cognitive decline, to the challenges faced by informal and family caregivers from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Note that applications under this FOA will be considered under the pay line for Alzheimer’s-related research. The next application due date is October 5, 2016.

A framework for future research

We published the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework in 2015. Drs. Eliseo Perez-Stable (Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities) and Norman B. Anderson (past CEO/Executive Director, American Psychological Association) teamed with me and NIA Deputy Director Dr. Marie A. Bernard to develop this article describing the Framework, its underpinnings, and ramifications. The Framework was developed by the Task Force for Minority Aging Workforce of the NIA National Advisory Council, with input from many NIA staff members. It was endorsed by the National Advisory Council. The Framework provides a landscape for stimulating interdisciplinary approaches to particular research problems, evaluating research productivity, and identifying opportunities for innovative health disparities research related to aging.

On April 26-27, NIA’s Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMARs) held their Annual Investigator’s Meeting on the NIH campus in Bethesda. NIA Director Dr. Richard Hodes in his opening remarks highlighted the importance of the RCMARs to the NIA. Dr. Monica Ramirez Basco, of NIH’s Center for Scientific Review, discussed emerging directions for research that examines the peer review process to help accomplish NIH’s diversity goals. Investigators from all seven RCMARs shared results of minority aging and health disparities research in a wide range of areas and levels of analysis. Staff from NIA’s extramural divisions and Intramural Research Program also led workgroup discussions to share opportunities and tips for applying to the NIA for research resources.

As you can see, the Office of Special Populations has been busy! Please consider joining us by applying to one of our funding opportunities and keeping an eye out for our upcoming meetings, panel discussions, and symposia.